I asked the students from the Faculty of Engineering in Hunedoara to tell us some impressions experienced during the days spent at the Technical University of Moldova, Chisinau, part of the inter-institutional collaboration project.
Naomi…..
,,The internship held in July 2023 was and will remain a special experience for me. Here, together with teacher Mihaela Popa and 14 other students, I had a wonderful time in the city of Chisinau, an experience from which I learned a lot and which will be very beneficial for the future.
The moment I heard about the possibility of doing an internship in Chisinau, I really wanted to take part because I am at a moment in my life where I want to discover as much as possible about myself, but also about the world that surrounds me. I was sure that this experience would help me in this regard, open my eyes and broaden my vision. I was not wrong at all.
The expectations I had from this project were the following: I wanted to grow as an individual, to do more on my own, to gain experience in a new country, to be more independent, to learn about a new culture and about some people with whom I have so much in common, but from whom I am so different at the same time. I was sure that Moldova would make my experience easier. Going to another country for a longer period of time, without family or close friends. Beyond that, I had emotions about where we would be staying, I was hoping that the conditions would be okay.
Well, the 2 weeks in Chisinau far exceeded my expectations and gave me more than I hoped for. Beyond the many activities that I carried out in my spare time, and that I really liked, were the visits to: the Military History Museum, parks, shops, the Church, the Chisinau Arena, the Old Orhei city.
The professional visits to the many companies broadened my horizons, identifying what I can do once I complete my studies and I was able to taste a bit of what the job market is all about. The place that marked me the most is the National Institute of Metrology. The people there are a clear example of perseverance and dedication. For that I am very grateful. Even if the schedule seemed a bit too busy, it was worth all the effort.
One aspect that made the experience difficult was the fact that it was very hot outside, and this made me often just wishing it was over so I could get to the dormitory. I suggest that for the next projects of this kind this aspect is taken into account.
From this experience I learned to have more confidence in me, to be bolder and fight more for myself and the things I want, to use my voice more and form my own opinions. I learned to look more on the positive side and not to stop if certain obstacles appear or the situation is not exactly as I want. I also had the opportunity to experience what it means to be part of a group, and I value that very much.
Regarding the transport, both the way out and back was long and tiring, but for the most part it was good. The studentg dormitory we stayed in was fine once we got used to it. The shower was not working when we arrived but we fixed it. I had a fridge, I had curtains, and most importantly, I shared a room with the best colleagues. Although we had different ways of being and different personalities, we managed to get along and understand eachother. The food was good and I managed to get used to it, less so the buckwheat. I honestly miss some of the meals I had there, the patisserie from breakfast stuck in my mind. Before I left I prayed a lot that the accommodation conditions would be good and I can say that my prayers were answered.
One thing that has stayed with me is the hospitality shown by the people there. The ladies from the canteen, from the dormitory, the professors from the Faculty of Chisinau and the people who greeted us at the companies we visited, the people we met at the Church or on the street, they all did their best to let us feel good, have a nice experience and learn as much as possible. I don’t think I’ve ever visited another place where I felt so welcome.
The students I was there with are wonderful people and I was able to learn something from each of them. Even if at first I didn’t know them very well, after 2 weeks together they became dear to me and I am grateful that I visited Chisinau with them. Moreover, a very important character in this experience was teacher Mihaela. Thanks to her I had the courage to take part in this project. I learned a lot from her, about what it means to fight when you want something, I learned that most of the time the limits are only in our head and once we cross them there, there is no obstacle. The lady teacher took care of us and fought for us in all possible aspects. He encouraged us and created the right environment for us to step out of our comfort zone and grow. I am very grateful to her for that.
In conclusion, the internship in Chisinau was a very good choice for which I am very grateful. What I experienced and learned there will serve me throughout my life and is a gift I needed and will cherish.”
